If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward meal to add to your dinner rotation, this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is your answer. With just three ingredients and a slow cooker, it doesn’t get easier than this! Serve it over hot steamed rice, add some green beans, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. Plus, with just around 350 calories per serving, it's a lighter option for those looking for a balanced dish. This recipe is a true weeknight savior, whether you’re preparing it ahead of time or need something easy after a long day.
When to Enjoy This Dish
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is perfect for busy weekdays, especially when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. The recipe can be enjoyed for dinner or even as a filling lunch. It's also a great option for meal prepping and can be served with different sides depending on your nutritional goals. If you’re watching your calorie intake, it pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables and brown rice. Alternatively, if you’re craving something a little richer, it’s also great served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
-
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/tenderloins)
-
1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
-
2 (0.87 oz) envelopes chicken gravy mix
-
½ cup water or chicken broth (optional, for thinner gravy)
-
Hot steamed rice (for serving)
Optional add-ins:
-
Frozen vegetables (for extra nutrition)
-
Garlic salt or seasoned salt (to elevate flavor)
-
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or gluten-free cauliflower rice (for variety)
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 4 servings):
-
Calories: 350
-
Total Fat: 8g
-
Saturated Fat: 2g
-
Cholesterol: 75mg
-
Sodium: 590mg
-
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugars: 3g
-
Protein: 38g
This recipe keeps calories in check, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a filling yet healthy meal. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and contains a moderate amount of fat, but it’s still quite balanced.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. You can also use garlic salt or seasoned salt for a deeper taste profile. Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy and Soup
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and the chicken gravy mix. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add the optional half cup of water or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 3: Pour Over the Chicken
Once the gravy mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is covered with the gravy to ensure it stays moist while cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender your chicken will become. If you're using frozen chicken breasts, you may need to cook for the higher end of the time range.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. The chicken will soak up the delicious gravy, making it even more flavorful.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the shredded chicken and gravy mixture over hot steamed rice. For added texture and flavor, pair the meal with a side of green beans, roasted asparagus, or mashed potatoes. If you want to make it gluten-free, serve it over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash instead of traditional rice.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
This simple yet delicious dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments:
-
Green beans: Sauteed with a little garlic or butter for added flavor.
-
Asparagus: Roasted with parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon.
-
Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can add frozen vegetables directly to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking.
-
Mashed potatoes: Rich and creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing with the flavorful gravy.
-
Bread: Texas toast or warm dinner rolls make a great accompaniment to mop up the leftover gravy.
-
Gluten-free options: Cauliflower rice, quinoa, or mashed sweet potatoes are perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.
Tips for Success
-
Using Frozen Chicken: If you use frozen chicken breasts, just make sure to cook them longer—about 6 hours on LOW—until they are tender and easy to shred.
-
For Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can reduce the amount of water or broth or even use a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water toward the end of the cooking process to thicken it up.
-
Extra Flavor: Adding a tablespoon of butter or some dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor even more.
-
Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve this dish with a refreshing salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Ways to Save Electricity When Using Your Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are already an energy-efficient appliance, but here are some additional tips to help save electricity while cooking:
-
Use the Right Size Cooker: Make sure to use a slow cooker that’s appropriate for the size of the meal you’re making. If you're cooking for two, don't use a 7-quart model—it will consume more energy.
-
Cook in Bulk: Slow cookers are perfect for batch cooking. Consider doubling or tripling the recipe to freeze meals for later. This way, you’ll be using the energy of your slow cooker efficiently and have multiple meals ready to go.
-
Keep the Lid On: Avoid lifting the lid while cooking, as this lets out heat and extends cooking time. The slow cooker works best when left undisturbed.
-
Preheat Your Slow Cooker: Some models have a preheat setting. If yours does, use it! This will allow the slow cooker to reach the proper temperature quicker, reducing cooking time and energy consumption.
Who Will Benefit from This Dish?
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is a hearty, protein-rich meal that can benefit a variety of people:
-
Those Looking for a Protein-Rich Meal: With 38 grams of protein per serving, this dish is great for people who want to maintain muscle mass or those following high-protein diets.
-
Busy Individuals: Perfect for busy individuals or families who need a quick, satisfying meal after a long day. The slow cooker takes care of everything, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without much effort.
-
Those on a Balanced Diet: This dish provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbs, especially when paired with steamed rice or vegetables.
-
Gluten-Free Diets: By substituting rice with cauliflower rice or other gluten-free options, this dish becomes a safe and tasty choice for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.
Who Might Be Adversely Affected?
While this dish is generally quite wholesome, there are some individuals who might want to avoid it:
-
Diabetics: Because this dish contains a fair amount of carbs from the rice and gravy, it may not be suitable for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, consider swapping the rice for a lower-carb alternative such as cauliflower rice or quinoa.
-
Those Watching Sodium Intake: The canned cream of chicken soup and gravy mix can be high in sodium, so individuals on a low-sodium diet should either use low-sodium versions or prepare the gravy from scratch using fresh ingredients.
-
People Avoiding Dairy: This recipe includes cream of chicken soup, which contains dairy. For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free meals, consider using dairy-free alternatives such as almond or oat milk-based soups.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is a simple, delicious, and adaptable meal that can easily become a favorite go-to dish for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, savory gravy, and rice makes it a satisfying and comforting meal. Plus, with minimal prep and a short cooking time, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By following the tips for success and pairing it with your favorite sides, this recipe will be a staple in your household for years to come.
Enjoy the simplicity and convenience of slow cooking—your family will thank you!